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MLT Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Is there a 4-year MLT training program available?

Most 4-year universities do not have an MLT program.

How long does the MLTT Program take and when can I start?

It depends on the status of your general education. You need to complete all the prerequisites before you can take MLT classes. One you start the MLTT classes, it should take approximately 2 to 3 years to complete them all.

Miramar MLTT Program Statistics 2014 to 2017

Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid

How much does the MLTT Program cost?

Starting July 2012, the cost will be $46 per unit plus additional nominal health/activity fees. The unit cost is higher for non-CA residents. There are additional costs associated with the books, supplies, parking permits, and licensing costs. NOTE: to complete the program and become an MLT, you must have a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT-1) license, as per California law. Phlebotomy licensing costs vary from school to school, please refer to the list of approved schools in the documents box on the top right.

Are there grant funds or scholarships available?

Previously the program was funded by federal and state grants, but is now being funded through the college. Therefore, there are no program-specific scholarships available besides those through Miramar College.

What financial aid is available? Where can I learn more about financial aid?

Coursework

What MLTT classes are in the program?

There are three lecture/lab classes (didactic training) and four directed clinical practice (practicum) classes. The didactic classes are at Miramar College. These are currently offered in the daytime. The practical classes are offsite at a clinical affliate in Poway. These are primarily graveyard shift experiences (9pm–5:30am).

Course

Units

Name

Prerequisites

MLTT201

4

Clinical Chemistry and Urinalysis

Biol 107 or 131; AND Biol 230 AND 235; AND Chemistry 130 AND 130L

MLTT202

4

Clinical Hematology and Immunology

Biol 107 or 131; AND Biol 230 AND 235; AND Chemistry 130 AND 130L

MLTT203

4

Clinical Microbiology

Biol 107 or 131; AND Biol 230 AND 235; AND Chemistry 100 and 100L, or Chemistry 152 and 152L

The practical experience classes MLTT51-54 have limited space and enrollment is by add code only from the Instructor/Program Director. You must finish your phlebotomy training and all MLTT lecture/lab classes before you can take the practicum classes.

Prerequisites

What if my prerequisites are from a long time ago?

Prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or better or equivalent within seven years prior to enrollment.

What if my prerequisites were taken at a school outside the US?

Those classes must be formally evaluated in order to determine if they are eligible. The counseling office will be able to give you more information and accepted vendors for this evaluation. They are located in K-203, or you can reach them by phone at (619)-388-7840.

What if my prerequisites were taken within the US but outside of the District?

The classes must be present on your transcripts. Again, the counseling office will be able to give you more information. They are located in K-203 and you can reach them by phone at (619)-388-7840.

Can prerequisites be waived if I have taken similar classes elsewhere?

Prerequisites may be waived based on previous course experience at other colleges on a case by case basis. Discuss your situation with the Biology Department Chair, Marie McMahon.

Getting Into the Program

How do I get admitted to the program?

For those who have completed the prerequisites, admission into the MLTT Program is by lottery. We urge all prospective students to attend an info session if one is available to make sure the program is a good fit for you. You must submit an application by June 8th for the Fall semester, or October 1st for the Spring semester. These dates may change, please check back often. The application is to check recency of prerequisites. You must reapply for each semester you are trying to gain admission.

How many students are accepted into the program?

This number varies depending on how many students have already started the program. There are 24 seats each semester. However, if there are students who need to complete their lecture courses started in the previous semester, not all spots will be available. On average we accept 24 students a year, however the number accepted each semester varies.

Once accepted into the program, are students given priority in enrollment?

Once in the program, the San Diego Miramar College MLTT Program will do everything in its power to ensure that all students who wish to complete the program are able to do so.

What time are MLTT classes?

Currently lecture classes are during the day. However, this is subject to change semester to semester. The practical courses are month-long internships which can consist of day and/or night shifts depending on the schedule of the lab where the work is being done.

Phlebotomy

Do I need to take phlebotomy? If so, when?

Yes, to complete the program and become an MLT, you must have a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT-1) license, as per California law. You must be able to provide proof of your CPT-1 license prior to taking practicum classes.

Can I get my phlebotomy training at Miramar?

No, we do not have phlebotomy training on campus.

Where can I take phlebotomy and how much does it cost?

We have created a list of CA-approved phlebotomy training programs, which can be found in the Student Handbook. Inquire for pricing information from the specific program and ask if they will give you a Miramar student discount.

Licensing

What do I need to do to obtain a National MLT License?

In order to be nationally licensed, you need to have started the Miramar MLTT Program in the Fall 2013 or later, as well as the following:

A required number of science courses completed, including the prerequisites for the MLT classes and all of the classes listed above

A current CPT-1 license

The state exam completed

State MLT Licensing Exam

How do I take the state exam, and how much does it cost?

Contact the CDPH Laboratory Field Services web site for information on completing the licensure process and submit an application to California. Upon determination of your eligibility for examination, you will receive an admission letter with a phone number for scheduling your appointment to take the MLT examination. You may schedule an appointment to take the examination at your convenience within the assigned 3 month examination period. The application fee for MLT licensure and ASCP certification (MLT) is $230. The exam itself costs $200.

Where do I take the state exam?

Examinations are administered year-round, on computer, and by appointment at 13 test sites located in California.

What topics are on the exam?

The topics that are on the exam are General Laboratory, Chemistry, Hematology, Immunology/Immunohematology, Microbiology, and Urinalysis. (For National MLT licensing, Blood Bank is also covered).

Once I start, am I guaranteed to have a spot in future classes?

The Miramar College MLTT Program will make every effort to ensure all students who wish to complete the program are able to do so.

If I already have a degree, do I need to get another one?

No. You just need to complete the science prerequisites and MLTT classes as well as other licensing requirements such as phlebotomy.

Work Opportunities

Is there any job placement?

No, there is no formal placement program.

Where can I work with a CA MLT License obtained through this program?

You can work in the state of California and other states that accept the California license. NOTE: If you started the program on or after Fall 2013, you are eligible to sit for the national exam to be certified nationally and work at other states.

I want to be a CLS/MLS. Will this program help me?

Perhaps, but this program is designed for students who want MLT careers. Please consult individual CLS training programs to determine if the classes are acceptable to them. Each one may make a different determination.

There is a path to National MLS Certification from an MLT License. However, it also requires 2 years experience with blood banking. In CA, MLTs are not allowed to do blood bank work in labs. This path would require out of state work experience. For more information please see the ASCP website: https://www.ascp.org/content/board-of-certification/getcertified#tabs-eligibility